The Stylish History of Girl Scouts Uniforms

There wasn't always a sash.

There wasn't always a sash.

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1910s

1910s

The first troop members of Girl Scouts, which originated in 1912, made their debut in homemade dark blue middy blouses and skirts with sateen ties, felt campaign hats, and long black stockings. Why? They borrowed the look from the Girl Guides in England, the British counterpart of the U.S. Scouts.

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1920s

1920s

In charge of keeping their mini troops in line, Girl Scouts officers usually wore dark khaki, serge, or twill uniforms with a tailored shirt and a silk tie in a four-in-hand knot. But the main event was the trefoil pin worn just below the knot, which signified the Girl Scouts Promise: To serve God and your country, to help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout law.

1910s

The first troop members of Girl Scouts, which originated in 1912, made their debut in homemade dark blue middy blouses and skirts with sateen ties, felt campaign hats, and long black stockings. Why? They borrowed the look from the Girl Guides in England, the British counterpart of the U.S. Scouts.

Getty Images

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1920s

In charge of keeping their mini troops in line, Girl Scouts officers usually wore dark khaki, serge, or twill uniforms with a tailored shirt and a silk tie in a four-in-hand knot. But the main event was the trefoil pin worn just below the knot, which signified the Girl Scouts Promise: To serve God and your country, to help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout law.

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1930s

You can't tell from this black and white photo, but the silhouette of the Girl Scouts uniform wasn't the only thing that got a major update. This was the first time troop members started wearing berets (a trendy accessory during the late '20s and early '30s) and a new color that would soon be associated with Girl Scouts everywhere — green.

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1940s

During World War II, Junior and Senior Scouts continued to wear green dresses (now button-front!) paired with yellow neckerchiefs. But beginner Scouts — or Brownies — wore brown shirt dresses with short sleeves. The looks went largely unchanged over the new few years due to the low availabilty of materials in wartime.

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1950s

Designed by Mainbocher (a popular haute couture American label at the time), this Junior Scouts outfit was mostly worn loose-fitting, except that older Scouts were encouraged to cinch the waist with a belt.

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1960s

Now with four established levels (Brownie, Junior, Cadette, and Senior), the Girl Scouts made sure each troop member had a distinct, stylish look. The older Scouts uniforms are very reminscent of flight attendant attire from the same era. They were paired with adjustable green berets designed by the late '60s New York-based hat designer Miss Emmé.

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1970s

The '70s brought many sartorial changes for the Girl Scouts, including the introduction of five separates that could create 12 different outfits. Among the options? A green A-line jumper, white blouses with trefoil stripes, red ties, and wool berets.

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1980s

We couldn't leave the Scouts officers out. To fit in with the decade's biggest trends, they had the option of wearing kelly green dresses, pants, or blazers — all with dropped shoulders. Another new addition? Green, white, and blue- striped blouses. Fun fact: The looks were designed by Bill Blass, a member of the Fashion Hall of Fame.

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1990s

In the '90s, the organization's style rules relaxed a little, allowing girls to choose which outfit combinations they liked best. That included everything from a more tradtional uniform to just wearing your own clothes with your green sash.

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2000s

Gone are the trademark sashes of year's past. Today's Girls Scouts wear green vests adorned with their earned patches, along with white tops paired with skirts or pants. Since 2008, Scouts are only required to wear one element — a tunic, sash, or vest — to display their pins and awards.